Prince Harry embraced by Bondi local wearing only budgie smugglers,
A man wearing only beachball-patterned budgie smugglers has embraced Prince Harry amid scenes of huge fanfare on Sydney’s Bondi Beach.
Harry, 41, and wife Meghan Markle, 44, were greeted by dozens of fans as they visited the Bondi Surf Bathers Life Saving Club on Friday morning.
A heavy NSW Police and private security presence guarded the doors as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex spoke with about 40 surf lifesavers.
Some of the group were among the first responders to the Bondi terrorist attack, in which 15 innocent lives were lost on December 14.
The couple took selfies and waved at the large crowd gathered on the beach as they made their way onto the sand to watch a lifesaving demonstration.
But no one was as enthusiastic as a budgie smuggler‑clad local who darted in front of the couple to record them as they moved across the sand.
He then stopped the Duke for a proper photo, with his tattooed, slightly sunburnt arm seen wrapped around his shoulder.
In true Aussie style, the man then shook Harry’s hand, gave him a friendly slap on the back and pulled him into what was probably a rather sweaty hug.
The visit was not listed on the couple’s official itinerary.
Officers were seen keeping a close eye on the famous couple throughout the staged visit, with the Public Order and Riot Squad also in attendance.
Harry and Meghan had arrived in Sydney last night, where they checked into InterContinental Sydney before heading out for a late-night dinner at Mimis.
Sources said the couple sat with a group and appeared relaxed and laughing.
A heavy police presence was seen outside the hotel on Friday morning, with at least six police protection vehicles parked outside and three general duties cars.
Both NSW Police and Victoria Police confirmed last week that they would pay for their protection of the couple during their four-day tour of Australia.
Meghan kicked off her first day in Sydney with a stroll along the Tamarama-Bronte coastal walk, where she was joined by close friend Markus Anderson.
Surrounded by NSW Police officers, she was casually dressed in a black coat, leggings and sneakers, with her hair tied back in a ponytail.
It’s understood she only completed a small section of the coastal stretch before she was ushered back to a waiting car, where she was spotted by a waiting press pack.
The couple then joined a sailing trip around Sydney Harbour with Invictus Australia.
They will then attend a Super Rugby match between NSW Waratahs and Moana Pasifika at Allianz Stadium.
Before the game, Meghan will speak at the women-only ‘Her Best Life’ retreat being held at the luxury five-star InterContinental Sydney in Coogee.
Tickets for the weekend cost up to $3,199 AUD (£1,400) with those who paid the extra £264 for a ticket allowed the chance to have a table photo.
